LaVern Birdsong

LaVern Louise Birdsong, 84, of Clarksburg, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at St. Mary's Health Center Jefferson City, Missouri. She was born on December 10, 1927, in Fortuna, Missouri, to O'Raymond and Eda (Willliamson) McDaniel, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 3, 1947, LaVern, was married to "Doc" Donley and then was married to Dean Birdsong on May 27, 1961, who survives of the home. She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church near Clarksburg, Mo., where she taught Bible School and Sunday School and sang in the choir. LaVern donated blood on a regular basis. She was an avid bowler and pinochle player and traveled many countries throughout the world, yet enjoyed the simple pleasures of finding four leaf clovers, picking up walnuts, mushroom hunting and walking daily with her dog, Joy. LaVern lived to love her family and was a faithful servant of the Lord. She taught for over twenty-five years which included several rural schools, and fourth grade at California R-1. LaVern is survived by: her husband Dean Birdsong of Clarksburg; son Larry Donley of Reno, Nev.; daughter Lana Donley Heflebower (Bruce) of Liberty, Mo.; sons Bob Donley of Kansas City, Mo.; Dennis Donley (Donna) of California, Mo. and daughter Deena Birdsong Dummermuth (Wayne) of California, Mo.; six grandchildren Bryan and Nathaniel Donley, Britney and Brielle Heflebower, Tyson and Tessa Dummermuth; one sister Elaine Griffith (Freddie) of Otterville, Mo. and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Miller "Doc" Donley on October 31, 1958; her step-mother, Stella McDaniel; and her grandson, Lance Tyler Dummermuth on August 15, 1983. Visitation for LaVern was Friday, April 27, 2012, at Windmill Ridge Funeral Home from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2012, with Rev. David Griffith officiating at Windmill Ridge Funeral Chapel in California, with interment following in the California City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association c/o Windmill Ridge Funeral Service, P.O. Box 443, California, MO 65018 or charity of the donor's choice. On-line condolences for the family may be left at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.